CWG cycling event pedals Noida to glory

More than three decades after New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) came into existence, Wednesday was a truly historic day. The city successfully organised the CWG cycling events on the Expressway.

The city has found a place on the global map and there is still more to come.

After the World Motorsport Council added India to its 2011 Formula One calendar, motorsports enthusiasts are looking forward to the Indian GP at Greater Noida in October 2011.

“It’s a historic day. Through the Games, we want to show visitors the positive aspects of Noida so that they stay on and become a part of Noida's success story,” Noida Authority’s Deputy CEO NP Singh told Hindustan Times.

Banners and hoardings were put up across the city and along the Expressway to highlight the development and the quality of life in the city.

The Formula One track in Greater Noida, promoted by Jaypee Sports International, has been planned by German designer Hermann Tilke. Promoters are confident that the $350 million (approximately R1,555 crore) project will be a grand success.

Lack of interest among spectators

While issues relating to security, authorised passes and traffic kept many indoors, there was an apparent lack of interest among spectators.

Very few people took the special buses run by state transport from the Botanical Garden Metro station to the venue. Amidst ‘heat stress’ people aimlessly cheered every time a cyclist appeared on the track. However, many villagers had lined up to watch the women's cycling event.